A friend of mine wrote to me about working on a project with someone we both know. My friend gets along with the mutual acquaintance, but this person is not someone I would choose to work with. I expressed my reasons and when doing so, words spilled forth describing what I have held in my heart about the kind of employer I would seek out – a person or environment where I would be comfortable, I would be allowed to shine, and I would be given opportunities to grow. Knowing that a potential employer truly had that in mind when interviewing me, I would gladly give years of my life and go to great lengths for them. I have been blessed with wonderful employers up until this point. However, I promise you, if I am in need of work in later years, I will find a way to determine if these ideals are in the heart of that future employer.